Temperature Altering Garment and Methods of Use Thereon

ABSTRACT

Human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers that define a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer element in any of multiple, non-overlapping positions. The space and the thermal transfer element preferably have cooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt, jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment. Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outer layers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at the pocket areas of pants. The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of a corresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of the garment. Thermal transfer elements are preferably disposed in pouches having a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a very thin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. utility application Ser. No.12/779,289 filed May 13, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. utilityapplication Ser. No. 11/838,776 filed Aug. 14, 2007 which is a CIP ofU.S. utility application Ser. No. 11/804,552 filed May 18, 2007, whichclaims priority to U.S. provisional application No. 60/838,666 filedAug. 17, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is clothing that accommodates heating andcooling pads.

BACKGROUND

It is known to heat or cool parts of the human body to prevent or treatinjuries, relieve pain, improve flexibility, warm a person in a coldenvironment, cool a person in a hot environment, and so forth. A commonmethod for heating or cooling a body part is to contact the part with ahot or cold pack, generically referred herein as a thermal transferelement.

There are many well known methods for applying thermal transfer elementsto human body parts. One method is to manually hold a thermal transferelement in contact with a body part that is intended to be heated orcooled. This method has significant disadvantages. First, a person mustengage the assistance of another in order to apply a thermal transferelement to a hard-to-reach area. Additionally, a person cannot alonesimultaneously apply thermal transfer elements to more than a few areason the body, since a person is only able to use two hands to hold thepacks in place. Finally, because the hands of a person using this methodwill be occupied, the person will be unable to simultaneously engage inother activities that require use of the hands.

Another method for applying a thermal transfer element to a body part isto physically attach the pack to the body part. Straps, wraps,adhesives, and other means have all been used for that purpose, but allstill have several disadvantages. First, the person's movement can berestricted by attachment of thermal transfer elements to certaincommonly treated parts, such as the knee. Additionally, a user is likelyto find it cumbersome to hold the pack in place with one hand whilesimultaneously trying to use a strap or other means to secure the packin place. Furthermore, attaching a thermal transfer element too tightlycan impede circulation and cause tissue damage by disrupting blood flowthrough the treated body part. Finally, it is difficult to physicallyattach a thermal transfer element to certain body parts, such as theback, without engaging the assistance of another.

Many devices and methods have been developed over the years to solvethese problems. US 2006/0218692 to Lamarque (publ October 2006), forexample, teaches positioning of thermal transfer elements, vibrators,magnets, and a host of other therapeutic components within the cavitiesof pockets located about a jacket or other garment. Others place thermalpads in pockets of scarves (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,629 to Dibrell,February 1992) and cuffs for various parts of the body (see U.S. Pat.No. 4,985,924 to Perry, January 1991, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,729 toRoney, December 1986). These and all other extrinsic materials discussedherein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where adefinition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistentor contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, thedefinition of that term provided herein applies and the definition ofthat term in the reference does not apply.

It turns out that using pockets to position thermal pads, however, isnot an especially good solution. Among other things, the location of thethermal transfer element is predetermined by the location of thepockets. U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,437 to Maxim, March 1999 tries to solvethat problem by adhering a thermal transfer element directly to theskin. But of course devices using that concept can be extremelyuncomfortable.

US 2006/0213156 to Nilfuroshan, (publ. September 2006) teaches a horseblanket, the underside of which has a hook-and-loop attachable materialthat releasably couples mating material on one or more pockets. Thepockets (referred to as cavities) are sized and dimensioned to receivethermal transfer elements, and by moving around the pockets a user canposition the thermal transfer elements substantially anywhere on theunderside of the blanket. In that application, the concept was directedto non-human animals, which presumably would tolerate a blanket with aplurality of pockets facing the skin.

What is still needed is a method of expanding the horse blanket conceptto human clothing, so that a user could position thermal transferelements around the body, without having a plurality of pockets facingthe bare skin of the wearer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods in whichan item of human clothing has inner and outer flexible layers thatdefine a space sufficiently large to position a thermal transfer elementin any of multiple, non-overlapping positions.

In preferred embodiments the space and the thermal transfer element havecooperating sides of a hook-and-loop attachment. For example, the innersurface of the outer layer can include a knit or woven fabric, or anapped or looped material, and a facing side of the thermal transferelement (or its housing) can include a hooked material.

All suitable items of clothing are contemplated, but especially a shirt,jacket or pants that appear to others as a substantially normal garment.Athletic jackets, “sweats” and other sporting-related garments areespecially contemplated, with the inner and outer layers comprisingcotton, nylon, or other fabrics known to the industry, includingperformance fabrics.

Each space has one or more openings, in either the inner or outerlayers, and preferably at the shoulders or sides of the torso, or at thepocket areas of pants. The openings can be merely slits, or can have asuitable closure, for example a flap or a zipper.

The spaces are preferably large, not only relative to the size of acorresponding thermal transfer element, but also to the size of thegarment. For example, a shirt or jacket can have a space extendingacross the entire upper or lower back regions, or along the entire leftand right front panels. Contemplated spaces can alternatively extendacross the entire back or front (for pullovers) or even a singlecontiguous space across the entire back and front. From a numericalperspective, a wall of a space having a hook-and-loop attachmentmaterial can advantageously have an area of at least 200-1000 cm².Similarly, preferred clothing can be adjusted so that a space has avolume of at least 1000-8000 cm³. These and all other ranges specifiedherein should be construed as inclusive of their endpoints.

Thermal transfer elements can have any suitable configuration, and canbe enclosed or otherwise coupled to any sort of holder. For example, athermal transfer element can consist of a single gel pack, or multiplegel packs coupled at flex points. Alternatively, a thermal transferelement can include one or more plastic gel packs housed within a fabriccovering. Most preferably, thermal transfer elements are replaceablydisposed in a pouch with a zipper, flap, or other closure, and have ahook or loop material disposed on one of its outer sides. Such pouchespreferably have a thermal insulation on that side, and have only a verythin, thermally transmissive, fabric on the other side.

There are many advantages to the various embodiments of the presentinvention. An advantage of one embodiment is the ability to adjustablysecure a thermal transfer element to any body part covered by thegarment. In this embodiment, the location of the thermal transferelement is adjustable over substantially an entire surface of an articleof clothing because the fastener on the article of clothing is not fixedin a single location. Instead, in this embodiment, the fastenersubstantially covers an entire surface of the article of clothing. Thusa user of this embodiment of the present invention can precisely andadjustably target any body part covered by the article of clothing,instead of only specific, unchangeable locations.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is theability to adjustably secure a thermal transfer element to an article ofclothing multiple times without weakening the strength of the engagementbetween the fasteners. Other systems, which use adhesives to securethermal transfer elements to an article of clothing, do not have thisadvantage because the adhesive weakens after every adhesion. Eventually,after multiple adhesions, the adhesive will no longer hold the thermaltransfer element to the article of clothing. The engagement betweenfasteners of an embodiment of the present invention, however, does notso weaken due to repeated use.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that itallows a person to apply a thermal transfer element to a hard to reacharea, such as the back, without requiring the assistance of another. Theperson can simply secure the thermal transfer element to the back of thearticle of clothing before putting on the article of clothing. In othersystems, it is very awkward or cumbersome to apply a thermal transferelement to the back without the assistance of another.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that itallows a user to apply a thermal transfer element to a body part withoutoccupying the hands. Thus, the user can engage in activities thatrequire the use of one or both hands while a thermal transfer element isheld against a body part. A further, related advantage is the ability tohold multiple thermal transfer elements, including both hot and coldthermal transfer elements simultaneously, to multiple body parts. Manualsystems are limited by the number of thermal transfer elements theperson can hold in the hands. The present invention, however, is not solimited.

A further related advantage of an embodiment of the present invention isthe ability to engage in an athletic activity while a thermal transferelement is held against a body part. An athlete wearing a garment of thepresent invention is able to keep body parts warm during periods ofinactivity, and need not remove the garment prior to resuming theathletic activity. Wearing the garment during the athletic activity canalso prevent injury to muscles by keeping them warm. Alternatively, anathlete can cool parts of the body during strenuous activity to preventoverheating. Furthermore, a thermal transfer element secured to a bodypart can act as padding for that body part. Finally, after the athleticactivity, the garment can be used for treatment of sore muscles.

Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is theability to press a thermal transfer element against a body part. Whenthe article of clothing snugly fits the body of the wearer, and when thethermal transfer element is secured inside the article of clothing, thesnug fit presses the thermal transfer element against the body part. Theterm “snug fit” means that the article of clothing is tight on thewearer's body, having little or no slack in the material. The term“press,” as used in this context, means a force exerted on the thermaltransfer element and toward the body of the wearer. This pressureincreases the efficiency of heat transfer by increasing the surface areaof the thermal transfer element in contact with the body part, becauseany gaps between the surface of the thermal transfer and the body partwill be flattened out. Furthermore, pressure is also helpful forpreventing swelling of an injured body part when a cold pack is applied.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of theinventive subject matter will become more apparent from the followingdetailed description of preferred embodiments, along with theaccompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sports shirt or jacket havinginner and outer layers that define several spaces for receiving thermaltransfer elements.

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the garment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the garment of FIG. 1, showing ashoulder opening into front and rear spaces.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a pouch for enclosing a thermaltransfer element.

FIG. 6 is a back elevation view of the pouch of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a thermal transfer element.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the pouch of a thermal transferelement according to one embodiment of the invention, before and after athermal transfer element is inserted into a pouch.

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a garment comprising an article ofclothing having only a first layer, with hidden secured thermal transferelements indicated with dashed lines, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the article of clothing of thegarment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a garment comprising a differentarticle of clothing (namely shorts), according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 12 is a back elevation view of the garment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a detachable segment of an articleof clothing of a garment according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is front perspective view of the garment of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the inside of an article ofclothing comprising an inflatable air bladder, according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the outside of a garmentcomprising the article of clothing of FIG. 15, shown with the airbladder inflated and thermal transfer elements in place, according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a back perspective view of the garment of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a thermal transfer element held inplace inside an article of clothing by a strap and buckle, according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a garment with the thermaltransfer element of FIG. 18 secured inside the article of clothing.

FIG. 20 is a back perspective view of the garment of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a side perspective view of a thermal transfer element securedin place inside an article of clothing by a cinch cord, according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a garment with the thermaltransfer element of FIG. 21 secured inside the article of clothing.

FIG. 23 is a back perspective view of the garment of FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 to 3 generally depict a garment 100 having a first layer 10, anouter layer 11, a thermal transfer element 4, a first fastener 5A, and asecond fastener 5B. The garment 100 is the entire combination; thearticle of clothing 1 is the piece of apparel to which thermal transferelements are secured. Article of clothing 1 has first 30 and secondspaces 35, each of which can be defined by the first layer 10 and outerlayer 11. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the first space 30 extends around thefront, sides, and lower back region of the article of clothing 1.

An engagement between the first fastener 5A and the second fastener 5Bremovably and adjustably secures the thermal transfer element 4A to anylocation 6 on the interior surface 2 of the outer layer 11 of thearticle of clothing 1. Likewise, an engagement between a third fastener5C of the second space 35 and a fourth fastener 5D removably andadjustably secures the thermal transfer element 4B to any location 6 onthe interior surface 2 of the outer layer 11 of the article of clothing1. “Removably and adjustably” secured means that the thermal transferelement can be removed without damaging the fasteners or otherwisedismantling the garment, and can be reattached in a different location.After attachment, heat transfer takes place between the thermal transferelement 4 and a body part 7 in contact with the location 6 on thearticle of clothing 1 where the thermal transfer element 4 is secured.The location 6 is “in contact” with the body part 7 even if there areone or more layers of material between the location 6 and the body part7. In other words, it is not necessary for the location 6 to touch theskin of the body part 7 for the location 6 to “contact” the body part 7,so long as they immediately adjoin each other.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 10 and 11, an interior surface 2 of thearticle of clothing 1 is any surface of any layer of the article ofclothing that faces inwardly toward the wearer. An exterior surface 3 ofthe article of clothing 1 is any surface of any layer of the article ofclothing 1 that faces outwardly away from the wearer.

In an exemplary embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, the articleof clothing has a first layer 10 and an outer layer 11 such that thereis a space for thermal transfer elements 4 between the layers. In anexemplary embodiment, the outer layer 11 is made from a nylon,polyester, and spandex blend, and the interior surface 2 of the outerlayer 11 is brushed to create loop material suitable for a hook and loopfastener. The process of brushing is well known in the art, and isessentially a finishing process for materials, particularly knit orwoven fabrics, in which brushes or other devices abrade the material tocreate a looped or napped surface that is suitable for use in a hook andloop fastener. The first layer 10 can be any flexible material but in anexemplary embodiment is a fine mesh material.

The article of clothing 1 can be made from any flexible material. Morespecifically, and without limitation, the material can be moistureabsorbent, breathable, stretchable, meshed, or any blend or combinationthereof. Even more particularly, the material can be a blend of nylon,polyester, and spandex. The material can also be thermoconductive inorder to better conduct heat between the thermal transfer element 4 andthe body part 7, or thermoreflective to help keep heat inside thearticle of clothing 1. The material can further comprise either thefirst fastener 5A or the second fastener 5B, meaning that thesefasteners can be either an integral part of the material or affixedthereto. For example, one or more surfaces of the article of clothing 1can be brushed such that it comprises loop material suitable for a hookand loop fastener.

The article of clothing 1 can be of any type including, withoutlimitation, shirts, vests, shorts, pants, bodysuits, skirts, dresses,robes, and so forth, provided they can be configured to include asufficiently large space for receiving the thermal transfer elements.From a numerical perspective, a wall of a space having a hook-and-loopattachment material can advantageously have an area of at least 200 cm²,400 cm², 600 cm², 800 cm² or even 1000 cm². Similarly, preferredclothing can be adjusted so that a space has a volume of at least 1000cm³, 2000 cm³, 4000 cm³, 6000 cm³, or even 8000 cm³. The jacket of FIGS.1-4, should be interpreted as having a space with a wall having an areaat least 1000 cm², and a volume of at least 8000 cm³.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the article of clothing 1 canbe a pair of shorts. It can come in a variety of shapes and sizes toaccommodate the body shapes of men, women, and children of all sizes.The article of clothing 1 is worn on the body of a person, and can beworn as any layer of clothing, including as an undergarment or as anover-garment. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the articleof clothing 1 snugly fits the body of the wearer such that any thermaltransfer element 4 inside the article of clothing 1 is pressed againstthe body part 7 due to the snug fit of the article of clothing 1.Article of clothing 1 includes first 40 and second openings 42 that haverespective first 41 and second closure mechanisms 43. The first 40 andsecond openings 42 provide access to respective first 44 and secondspaces 45 that each extends downwardly into a lower region of thearticle of clothing 1.

In FIGS. 5 to 8, a pouch 8 has a cavity sized and dimensioned to receivea thermal transfer element 9, and further has a hook or loop region 5 bfor attachment to a wall of a space in the article of clothing 1. Thepouch 8 can be made of any suitable material including natural andsynthetic textiles, plastics, and rubbers, and it can be made of thesame materials that the article of clothing 1 comprises. In an exemplaryembodiment, the pouch 8 is approximately six inches by ten inches (about15×25 cm) and has two sides that are sewn together to form a pouch. Oneside of the pouch 8 can be made of Thinsulate® laminated with variationsof tricot, the other side of a mesh material which can be a blend ofpolyester and spandex. Thinsulate® is the registered trademark name of amaterial made by 3M Company (St. Paul, Minn.) that comprises thin andrelatively dense polyolefin microfibers and polyester fibers. The twosides of the pouch 8 can be sewn together along three edges, leaving anopening on the fourth edge. Optionally the pouch 8 is closable on thefourth edge so that the thermal transfer element 9 can be completelyenclosed in the pouch 8, as shown in FIG. 8. The closure can be zipper,snap, button, or the like, but in an exemplary embodiment is a hook andloop fastener. The pouch 8 also comprises the second fastener 5B,meaning that this fastener can be either an integral part of the pouch 8or attached thereto. In an exemplary embodiment, the second fastener 5Bis hook material and is sewn to the Thinsulate-tricot side of the pouch8.

The thermal transfer element 9 is any object suitable for transferringheat including, without limitation, heat packs and cold packs of thetype commonly used as hot or cold compresses on injured or sore bodyparts, whether single-use or reusable. The thermal transfer element 9can contain water, ice, metal, gel, or any other material, whethersolid, liquid, or gas. Examples of some types of thermal transferelements include, without limitation, the Hot & Cold Flexible Gel Pack(3M, St. Paul, Minn.), Thermo-Pad Heat Packs (Hood Thermo-Pad,Summerlend, BC Canada), and the Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Pack (Accu-Therm,Taipei, Taiwan). The thermal transfer element 9 is brought to a desiredtemperature prior to attachment of the thermal transfer element 4 to thearticle of clothing 1 or, if possible, while the thermal transferelement 4 is attached. The thermal transfer element 9 can be heated orcooled in any suitable manner, including without limitation, convection,conduction, radiation, electrical resistance, and chemical reaction. Forexample, the thermal transfer element 9 can be cooled in a refrigerator,freezer, ice water bath, or endothermic chemical reaction. The thermaltransfer element 9 can be heated, for example, in an oven, microwave,hot water bath, or exothermic chemical reaction.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as best illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, the thermal transfer elements 4A and 4B are adjustablysecured to the interior surface 2 of the outer layer 11 of the articleof clothing 1 by the engagement of first fastener 5A and second fastener5B, and third fastener 5C and fourth fastener 5D, respectively. As seenin FIG. 3, the thermal transfer element 4 can be removed from an initiallocation 6 by disengagement of the fasteners, and re-secured in adifferent location 6A by reengagement of the fasteners. The ability todisengage and reengage the fasteners in a new location 6A makes thelocation 6 of the thermal transfer element 4 adjustable.

The first fastener 5A can be found anywhere on the article of clothing1, including anywhere on any interior surface 2 or exterior surface 3.In one embodiment, the first fastener 5A covers substantially an entiresurface of the article of clothing 1. In an exemplary embodiment, thefirst fastener 5A is loop material that covers substantially the entireinterior surface 2 of the outer layer 11 of the article of clothing 1.

The second fastener 5B can be found anywhere on the thermal transferelement, including on a thermal transfer element 9. In an exemplaryembodiment, as seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, the second fastener 5B is found onthe thermal transfer element 4, specifically on the back of the pouch 8.The first fastener 5A and the second fastener 5B are any type ofcomplementary fasteners capable of repeatedly engaging and disengagingwith each other, without significantly damaging either fastener or theirability to engage. It is not material which of the pair of complementaryfasteners is the first fastener 5A or the second fastener 5B. Forexample, the first fastener 5A can be loop material and the secondfastener 5B can be hook material. Likewise, the first fastener 5A can behook material and the second fastener 5B can be loop material. In anexemplary embodiment of the present invention, however, the firstfastener 5A is loop material that covers substantially the entireinterior surface 2 of the outer layer 11 of the article of clothing 1,and the second faster 5B is hook material that is sewn to the back ofthe pouch 8 of the thermal transfer element 4. Because in thisembodiment the first fastener 5A is loop material covering substantiallythe entire interior surface 2 of the outer layer 11, the thermaltransfer element 4 is adjustable over any location on the interiorsurface 2 by disengagement and reengagement of the fasteners 5.

In another embodiment of the present invention, best illustrated in FIG.9, a garment 100 comprises an article of clothing 1 having an interiorsurface 2 and an exterior surface 3, a thermal transfer element 4, afirst fastener 5A and a second fastener 5B. Unlike the previousembodiment, the article of clothing 1, as shown in FIG. 10, does notcomprise a first layer plus an outer layer, but instead comprises only afirst layer 10. In this embodiment, the thermal transfer element 4 issecured to the interior surface 2 of the first layer 10 of the articleof clothing 1. As seen in FIG. 9, the thermal transfer element 4 isdrawn with dashed lines to indicate that the thermal transfer element 4is attached inside the article of clothing 1. The article of clothing 1can be made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and spandex, and theinterior surface 2 of the first layer 10 can be brushed to create loopmaterial suitable for a hook and loop fastener. In another embodiment,the thermal transfer element 4 can be adjustably secured to the exteriorsurface 3 of the first layer 10 of the article of clothing 1. In thisembodiment, the exterior surface 3 of the first layer 10 can be brushedto create loop material suitable for a hook and loop fastener.

In another embodiment of the invention, the article of clothing 1 cancomprise a detachable segment 12, such as a detachable sleeve for ashirt as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14. An article of clothing 1 can beworn with or without the detachable segment 12. Likewise, the detachablesegment 12 can be worn without the rest of an article of clothing 1. Thedetachable segment 12 comprises the first fastener 5A, meaning that thisfastener can be either an integral part of the detachable segment 12 orattached thereto.

In other embodiments of the present invention, best illustrated in FIGS.15 to 21, a thermal transfer element 4 is pressed against the body ofthe wearer by the article of clothing 1. In one embodiment, thispressure results from the snug fit of the article of clothing 1 againstthe body of the wearer. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, thepressure provided by the article of clothing 1 is augmented by inflationof an air bladder 15 contained inside the article of clothing 1. The airbladder 15 can be inflated by a one-way valve for receiving pressurizedair, such as by a person blowing into the valve. The air bladder 15 canalso be inflated by a small pump built into the air bladder 15. Afterplacing the thermal transfer element 4 in a desired location inside thearticle of clothing 1, the user inflates the bladder 15, thus providingincreased pressure on the thermal transfer element 4 as the interiorsurface of the air bladder 15 expands toward the wearer.

In another embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 18 to 20, the pressure againstthe thermal transfer element 4 is augmented by tightening straps 25connected to buckles 26. After the user places the thermal transferelement 4 in a desired location, the user tightens the straps 25 usingthe buckles 26, thus providing increased pressure on the thermaltransfer element 4.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 21 to 23, the pressure isaugmented by tightening cinch cords 35 that run throughout the articleof clothing 1. After the user places the thermal transfer element 4 in adesired location, the user pulls on the cinch cord 35, thus providingincreased pressure on the thermal transfer element 4.

A method of use according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention is best understood with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 andcomprises the following steps: selecting a body part 7 to have a thermaltransfer element 9 applied to it, putting on an article of clothing 1,selecting a location 6 on the article of clothing 1 that contacts theselected body part 7 and has a first fastener 5A, bringing a thermaltransfer element 9 to a desired temperature, engaging the first fastener5A with the second fastener 5B to removably and adjustably secure thethermal transfer element 9 to the article of clothing 1, andtransferring heat between the thermal transfer element 9 and the bodypart 7. The thermal transfer element 9 can be secured to the article ofclothing 1 while the article of clothing 1 is being worn, while it isnot being worn, or while it is partially being worn. Heat transfercontinues until the thermal transfer element 9 reaches approximately thesame temperature as the body part 7, at which point heat transfer beginsto cease. In one embodiment, the second fastener 5B is affixed to thethermal transfer element 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermaltransfer element 9 is enclosed in a pouch 8 with the second fastener 5B,preferably hook material, affixed to one side of the pouch 8.Furthermore, the above steps can be repeated in any order to attach aplurality of thermal transfer elements 9 to a plurality of locations 6contacting a plurality of body parts 7. These plurality of thermaltransfer elements 9 can be any combination of hot packs and cold packs.

Another method of use of the present invention, best understood withreference to FIGS. 1 to 8, is a method of heating or cooling the body ofan athlete while the athlete is engaged in an athletic activity,comprising the steps of selecting a body part 7 of an athlete to beheated or cooled, selecting a location 6 on the article of clothing 1that contacts the selected body part 7 when the article of clothing 1 isworn and having a first fastener 5A, bringing a thermal transfer element9 to a desired temperature, removably and adjustably securing thethermal transfer element 9 to the article of clothing 1 so that thethermal transfer element 9 is contacting the body part 7, andtransferring heat between the body part 7 and the thermal transferelement 9 while the athlete is engaged in an athletic activity. Becausethe garment 100 holds the thermal transfer element 9 in place, theathlete's hands are free to participate in the athletic activity. In oneembodiment, the second fastener 5B is affixed to the thermal transferelement 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermal transfer element 9 isenclosed in a pouch 8 with the second fastener 5B, preferably hookmaterial, affixed to one side of the pouch 8. Furthermore, the abovesteps can be repeated in any order to attach a plurality of thermaltransfer elements 9 to a plurality of locations 6 contacting a pluralityof body parts 7, so that more heat can be transferred to or from theathlete's body.

Another method of use of the present invention, best understood withreference to FIGS. 1 to 8, is a method of performing physical therapy ona patient, comprising the steps of selecting a body part 7 that willreceive physical therapy, putting the article of clothing 1 on the bodyof the patient, selecting a location 6 on the article of clothing 1 thatcontacts the selected body part 7 and has a first fastener 5A, bringinga thermal transfer element 9 to a desired temperature, removably andadjustably securing the thermal transfer element 9 to the article ofclothing 1 by engaging a first fastener 5A and a second fastener 5B, andtransferring heat between the thermal transfer element 9 and theselected body part 7 while the patient simultaneously receives physicaltherapy on the selected body part 7. In one embodiment, the secondfastener 5B is affixed to the thermal transfer element 9. In anexemplary embodiment, the thermal transfer element 9 is enclosed in apouch 8 with the second fastener 5B, preferably hook material, affixedto one side of the pouch 8. Furthermore, the above steps can be repeatedin any order to attach a plurality of thermal transfer elements 9 to aplurality of locations 6 contacting a plurality of body parts 7. Afurther method of use of the present invention, also best understood byreference to FIGS. 1 to 8, is a method of warming the body of a personin a cold environment, comprising the steps of selecting a body part 7to be warmed, putting an article of clothing 1 on the body of theperson, selecting a location 6 on the article of clothing 1 thatcontacts the selected body part 7 when the garment is worn and having afirst fastener 5A, heating a thermal transfer element 9 to a desiredtemperature, removably and adjustably securing the thermal transferelement 9 to the selected location 6 by engaging first fastener 5A andsecond fastener 5B, and transferring heat from the thermal transferelement 9 to the body part 7 in order to stay warm longer in a coldenvironment. In one embodiment, the second fastener 5B is affixed to thethermal transfer element 9. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermaltransfer element 9 is enclosed in a pouch 8 with the second fastener 5B,preferably hook material, affixed to one side of the pouch 8.Furthermore, the above steps can be repeated in any order to attach aplurality of thermal transfer elements 9 to a plurality of locations 6contacting a plurality of body parts 7.

It should be understood that various alternative embodiments, notillustrated herein, are covered by the scope of the appended claims. Forexample, in one alternative the thermal transfer element can beadjustably secured to the exterior surface of the first layer, inside anouter layer. In this embodiment, the exterior surface of the first layercan be a brushed material suitable for use as loop material in a hookand loop fastener.

In another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the thermaltransfer element can be adjustably secured to the interior surface ofthe first layer, whether or not there is also an outer layer. In thisembodiment, the interior surface of the first layer can be a brushedmaterial suitable for use as loop material in a hook and loop fastener.

In other alternative embodiments, the first fastener 5A and the secondfastener 5B can be various different types of complementary fastenersother than hook and loop fasteners. For example, the fasteners can bemetal or plastic snaps, hooks that engage with rivets, pairs of zipperchains engaged by a zipper, a button and buttonhole, or the like.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

1. An item of clothing sized and dimensioned to fit a human body, foruse with a thermal transfer element, comprising: inner and outer layersof the clothing defining a space capable of receiving the thermaltransfer element, the space having an opening through which the thermaltransfer element can be inserted, and the space further having a bottomand first and second sides; wherein the space is configured to allow thethermal transfer element to be repositioned in either of at least firstand second non-overlapping positions within the space; at least one ofthe layers having sufficient stretchability to maintain a position ofthe thermal transfer element without a need for fasteners, and whereinto an external observer the outer layer has no apparent seams definingthe first and second sides of the space.
 2. The item of clothing ofclaim 1, wherein the item of clothing is selected from at least one of ashirt and a jacket.
 3. The item of clothing of claim 2, wherein thespace extends across an upper back region of the clothing.
 4. The itemof clothing of claim 1, wherein the item of clothing is selected from atleast one of a pair of short or a pair of pants.
 5. The item of clothingof claim 4, wherein the space extends across a thigh area of the pantsor shorts.
 6. The item of clothing of claim 1, wherein the space has anarea of at least 200 cm².
 7. The item of clothing of claim 1, whereinthe space has an area of at least 600 cm².
 8. The item of clothing ofclaim 1, wherein the clothing can be adjusted so that the space has avolume of at least 1000 cm³.
 9. The item of clothing of claim 1, whereinthe clothing can be adjusted so that the space has a volume of at least8000 cm³.
 10. The item of clothing of claim 1, wherein the space has anopening disposed at a region of the clothing selected from the listconsisting of a shoulder and an upper arm region.
 11. The item ofclothing of claim 1, wherein the space has an opening disposed at a sidetorso region of the clothing, and the space extends around front, sidesand lower back regions of the clothing.
 12. The item of clothing ofclaim 1, wherein the space had an opening disposed at a front pocketregion of the clothing.
 13. The item of clothing of claim 1, wherein thespace has a closable opening.
 14. The item of clothing of claim 1,wherein the space has first and second closable openings.
 15. The itemof clothing of claim 1, wherein the space further comprises a wallhaving a hook and loop attachable material.
 16. The item of clothing ofclaim 1, wherein the clothing comprises a shirt having quadrants, andthe space comprises one of the quadrants.